Under a first-past-the-post voting system the candidate with the highest percentage of valid votes wins the election. Other methods being considered are proportional representation and preferential voting.

Proportional representation allocates seats based on popular vote while preferential voting, otherwise known as ranked ballots, allows citizens to select a second choice or third choice on the ballot. Ranked voting ensures whoever wins the election receives at least 50% of the votes banked on an instant runoff system.

Earlier this year Ontario opened the door to allow municipalities to use a ranked ballot system for the 2018 municipal election. While some on London City Council have publicly stated their support for ranked ballots, but the city hasn’t formally started the process to switch from first past the post to ranked ballots.

Parliamentary committee hearings on the issue have already begun, but of the 16 that are scheduled to happen nationwide, none will be held in London so this will be one of the few chances Londoners have to speak out.

A report from the London meeting will be sent to the parliamentary committee.